Robert Downey Jr's Wife Susan Downey Reveals 'Two-Week Rule' Behind Their Successful 18-Year Marriage

His wife, Susan Downey, with whom he has shared 18 beautiful years of marriage, has shed light on the secret to their lasting relationship.

The actor is basking in the glory of his recent win for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars for his role in Oppenheimer, a significant achievement indeed.

Susan Downey has explained how she and husband Robert Downey Jr. maintain a successful marriage. Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

However, the journey to this point hasn't been without its challenges for the star best known as Iron Man.

During the late 90s and early 2000s, Downey Jr. encountered significant legal issues due to his battles with substance abuse.

This period culminated in a three-year prison sentence in 1999, handed down after he missed a court-ordered drug test.

Following a period of treatment, he made a triumphant return to the spotlight, and his career witnessed a remarkable resurgence.

In a heartfelt moment during his Oscar acceptance speech, Downey Jr. credited his wife, Susan, for playing a pivotal role in his recovery process.

"She found me, a snarling rescue pet, and loved me back to life. That's why I am here. Thank you," he gratefully acknowledged.

The couple's love story began on the set of the 2003 film Gothika, leading to their marriage in 2005.

The pair have been married for 18 years. Credit: Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images

Together, they are parents to two children, Exton, aged 12, and Avri, who is nine years old.

Susan recently revealed to PEOPLE the fundamental principle they adhere to for keeping their family bond strong: they never spend more than two weeks apart.

"We do have a two-week rule, which often feels too long, but we don't go more than two weeks without seeing each other and the family being together," she explained.

According to Susan, the family enjoys being together whenever possible, likening themselves to "a traveling circus."

This "basic rule" serves as their guiding principle, although Susan acknowledges that life's unpredictable nature means they can't always plan far in advance.

Credit: Getty Images

"Someone might get sick, or there might be a shutdown, or this or that."

"So you just have to have some basic things in place, and then you have to be willing to flow with the rest of it," she explained.

Downey Jr. himself appreciates the frequent reunions with his family, humorously remarking that it offers him "something to attach my neurosis to that's positive."

Susan also highlighted the advantage she has in their arrangement, being a producer rather than an on-screen talent.

This role affords her more flexibility regarding where she needs to be, allowing her to prioritize family time.

She expressed her admiration and empathy for couples who both work in front of the camera, understanding the difficult decisions they often face due to their commitments.